MUSCAT, NOV 11
Plans for a pilot liquid hydrogen project at Sohar Port and Freezone have taken a further step forward following a new strategic agreement between German maritime hydrogen specialist HYTRA and Path2 Hydrogen AG, together with its US-based subsidiary GenH2 Corp, to explore the integration of advanced liquefaction, cryogenic storage and maritime transportation technologies.
The agreement, announced on November 10, 2026, builds on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by HYTRA and Sohar Port and Freezone in August to explore opportunities for liquid hydrogen logistics, export infrastructure and international clean energy corridors originating from Oman.
The latest partnership brings additional technology capabilities to the proposed demonstration project, potentially enabling the testing of an integrated liquid hydrogen supply chain encompassing liquefaction, storage, transfer and maritime transportation.
Central to the proposed technical configuration is a GenH2 hydrogen liquefaction system with a nominal capacity of approximately one metric tonne per day, complemented by the company's proprietary Zero Boil-Off Controlled Storage technology.
The latter is designed to minimise hydrogen losses by maintaining the extremely low temperatures required to store hydrogen in liquid form. Such technology is considered essential to the commercial viability of long-distance liquid hydrogen transportation, particularly where extended storage and maritime shipping are involved.
Under the new MoU, the partners will evaluate how these technologies could be integrated with HYTRA's liquid hydrogen storage, cryogenic transfer systems, vessel development and maritime logistics capabilities within the Sohar demonstration environment.
Paul Louis Kiesow, CEO and Founder of HYTRA, commented: "Efficient maritime transportation is essential to connecting hydrogen production with global markets. By combining HYTRA’s maritime expertise with Path2 Hydrogen and GenH2’s advanced technologies, we aim to demonstrate an integrated liquid hydrogen supply chain at SOHAR that can support future international trade."
Josh McMorrow, CEO of Path2 Hydrogen and Executive Chairman of GenH2, highlighted the importance of preventing hydrogen losses during storage and transportation.
"GenH2’s Zero Boil-Off Controlled Storage technology plays a critical role in maritime liquid hydrogen infrastructure, preventing losses and maintaining optimal cryogenic temperatures throughout storage, shipping, and transfer," he stated.
Beyond the Sohar pilot, the cooperation envisages potential collaboration on industrial-scale liquefaction facilities, advanced cryogenic storage, liquid hydrogen export and import terminals, specialised maritime transportation systems and international hydrogen trade corridors.
HYTRA, which specialises in liquid hydrogen maritime infrastructure, is also pursuing the development of a 60,000-cubic-metre liquid hydrogen carrier as part of its longer-term ambitions.
Significantly, the initiative has the potential to establish Sohar as a potential gateway for liquid hydrogen exports, complementing the Sultanate's wider renewable hydrogen ambitions and the development of associated production, logistics and export infrastructure.
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